Mississippi Arts Hour

Guest host Julian Rankin (Walter Anderson Museum of Art) visits with painter and visual artist Jerrod Partridge from Ocean Springs. They talk about Jerrod’s recent artist residency at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum and his current project documenting the shrimpers on the Gulf Coast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate the Arts Hour’s twentieth anniversary, we’re sharing some classic shows with you. This one from 2016 features two current MPB hosts. Deep South Dining’s Malcolm White interviews Jim Dees from Thacker Mountain Radio. They talk about Dees’ new book. Also joining them in the studio is the late Ron Shapiro, a legendary Oxford businessman and arts supporter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Larry Morrisey travels to Greenville to talk with photographer Euphus Ruth. He has been an active photographer in the Delta for over 30 years. Ruth’s work is focused on the use of historic photographic processes, including wet plate and panoramic cameras.. If you enjoy listening to this podcast, please consider contributing to MPB.  https://donate.mpbfoundation.org/mspb/podcast.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Larry Morrisey talks with Nashville-based musician and author Paul Burch about Meridian Rising, his new book. It’s a fictional memoir of Jimmie Rodgers, the legendary Mississippi musician from the 1920s and 30s. The book blends historical moments with imagined scenes, creating a new consideration of Rodgers’ life and work. If you enjoy listening to this podcast, please consider contributing to MPB.  https://donate.mpbfoundation.org/mspb/podcast.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leslie Barker talks with one of MAC’s newest staff members, Emmi Sprayberry. Emmi’s documentary photography has gained international recognition. At her core, she is a storyteller who is passionate about accessibility in the arts and supporting emerging talent. Join us for our conversation about the arts in Jackson and Emmi’s new project that examines the relationship between music, community, and Mississippi’s musical legacy. To listen to the music discussed in the podcast, visit the links below.“Use Me (Live at Carnegie Hall)” by Bill Withers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSqtPjpKb6k&list=RDfSqtPjpKb6k&start_radio=1 “We Are” by Jon Batistehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=MkpvNaBe0mg&list=RDMkpvNaBe0mg&start_radio=1/If you enjoy listening to this podcast, please consider contributing to MPB.  https://donate.mpbfoundation.org/mspb/podcast.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kristen Brandt sits down with Janet Reihle and Crafton Beck of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (MSO), an institution that has shaped Mississippi’s cultural landscape for more than 80 years. The MSO is the 2026 recipient of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Performing Arts. They talk about the orchestra’s history, its impact on communities across the state, the challenges and joys of presenting live performances, and how the MSO continues to inspire audiences through education, outreach, and innovative programming. From longtime symphony-goers to first-time listeners, this conversation highlights why the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra remains a vital pillar of Mississippi’s arts industry. Join The Mississippi Arts Commission in celebrating the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at The Westin Jackson at 6 p.m. A public reception will precede the ceremony at 4:30 p.m. If you enjoy listening to this podcast, please consider contributing to MPB.  https://donate.mpbfoundation.org/mspb/podcast.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Mississippi Arts Hour, Leslie talks with the 2026 Governor’s Arts Award recipient for Excellence in Music Composition, Heather Christian. Heather is a composer, lyricist, playwright and performer creating music centered shows and rituals. She is a Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk, and two-time Obie Award winner. Most recently, Heather was named a MacArthur Fellow, an honor commonly known as the “Genius Grant.” The interview was recorded in September at the Signature Theatre in New York City where Heather is currently an artist in residence. Join us for our conversation as Heather shares stories about growing up in Natchez, ghosts, sacred spaces, and of course, her creative process. To hear the songs mentioned in this episode, visit: https://heatherchristian.bandcamp.com/album/animal-wisdom-soundtrack-and-live-requiem Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.